Tottenham Hotspur edged past Manchester United in a thrilling League Cup quarter-final, holding on for a 4-3 victory at home despite nearly letting a commanding lead slip away. Ange Postecoglou’s side had built a seemingly insurmountable 3-0 lead through Dominic Solanke’s brace and Dejan Kulusevski’s strike, but a series of errors turned the match into a nerve-racking affair.
United, lifeless in the first half, roared back into contention thanks to two howlers by Spurs keeper Fraser Forster. Substitutes Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo capitalized on Forster’s blunders, cutting the deficit to 3-2 with 20 minutes still to play.
The home side’s nerves were eased, albeit in bizarre fashion, when Son Heung-min scored directly from a corner, leaving United keeper Altay Bayindir baffled. Yet, even then, Spurs were not safe, as Jonny Evans’ stoppage-time header ensured a frantic finish. Tottenham survived the late onslaught to book a semi-final clash with defending champions Liverpool.
Arsenal will face Newcastle United in the other semi-final.
Postecoglou, while relieved, will undoubtedly address his side’s defensive frailties. Spurs fans, still scarred by a recent 4-3 collapse to Chelsea after leading 2-0, will hope this victory signals a turning point.
Dominic Solanke summed it up best: “We could have dealt with the game better, killed some time, but the important thing is we’re through. Mistakes happen, but we showed spirit and got the job done.”